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Who has more power: the individual or the collective?

Treyvon Feeny

When it comes to determining who has more power, the individual or the collective, there isn't a straightforward answer. Both the individual and the collective hold power in their own unique way, and it ultimately depends on the context in which power is being assessed.

In some situations, the individual holds more power than the collective. For example, in a capitalist society, the individual who possesses wealth and resources holds immense power over those who do not. They can use their resources to gain influence and control over the decisions and actions of others. Similarly, in a democratic society, the individual's right to vote and express their political views empowers them to shape the direction of the state's policies and laws. Thus, in these scenarios, the individual holds significant power over the collective.

On the other hand, there are situations where the collective holds more power than the individual. When a group comes together, they can pool their resources and work for a common goal or cause, leading to collective power. In most countries around the world, people unite to form trade unions, political parties, and civic groups, making their voices louder and more impactful than if they acted alone. The collective can also hold power against institutions, governments, and other power-holders, and assert their rights and demands. In this way, the collective's strength and solidarity can push for meaningful change.

However, it's important to understand that it's challenging to compare the powers of the individual and the collective as they're not mutually exclusive. While an individual can hold power, the collective can still hold more significant power in other aspects. For example, an individual may hold financial power, but the collective is more significant when it comes to political decision making.

At the same time, the power of the individual is not entirely detached from the collective. Individuals' power isn't solely based on their personal possessions; it is necessary to note the social systems and foundations that allow them to accumulate wealth. Moreover, individual choices have ripple effects that affect the larger collective. For instance, when an individual decides to adopt eco-friendly habits, they are setting an example for the people around them, inspiring them to take measures towards the common good.

In conclusion, there is no neat answer to who has more power between the individual and the collective. Both possess distinct forms of power, and each's power plays an important role, depending on the situation. Nevertheless, we should recognize that individual power is often dependent on the social systems and external factors that shape them. Similarly, collective power does not erase individuals' agency but rather ensures that this agency is amplified. Ultimately, it's more fruitful to think of power as a complementary and intertwined relationship between individuals and society.